Knicks notes: Iman Shumpert injury may alter trade plans

Coming soon?

Knicks guard Iman Shumpert perhaps was the most likely player on the roster to be moved by 3 p.m. today — the trade deadline. But his injury Wednesday night likely clouded the process.

If Shumpert stays or goes, a change to the starting lineup could come with point guard Raymond Felton also on the trade block.

Coach Mike Woodson has given more playing time to Tim Hardaway Jr. at shooting guard. He played 36 minutes Wednesday against the Pelicans, scoring 16 points. The Knicks also finished out the game Tuesday night with him on the floor. Woodson was asked if he’d consider starting the rookie.

"I don’t know," Woodson said. "It might come a time when that could possibly happen, but at this point right now we’re still going to go with Iman."

Precautionary tale

The Knicks are in the midst of a stretch of four games in five nights, and even though they’d played just one of those games, Amar’e Stoudemire took Wednesday night off to rest.

Stoudemire was experiencing a little soreness in his left knee, but insisted that the decision to sit out was just a precaution.

"We have four games in five nights," he said before the start of Wednesday’s game. "Tonight is kind of a rest day. Nothing to be concerned about. A little soreness, but nothing I haven’t felt before.

"I plan on finishing out the trip. Tonight is recovery. Then get ready for Orlando and then Atlanta, and then another tough week following that."

Flawed finishers

The Knicks have been dreadful in late-game situations, including Tuesday’s loss at Memphis.

"It comes down to guys believing in one another and just finishing the ballgames," Woodson said.